Rams turn focus to defending conference champs

For Mike White's Albany State team, there is no time for dwelling on a heartbreaking opening 26-24 loss to North Greenville.

Instead, the Golden Rams must turn their focus to the defending conference champion Tuskegee Golden Tigers.

The Rams will host TU Saturday night for ASU's home and conference opener.

After the last second loss to NGU, White says his offense must perform better than they did against the Crusaders.

"We didn't make a whole lot happen, especially in that first half," says White. "At the half, I think we only had like 15 or 16 yards rushing, which is not what we wanted in our first game. So it's a lot there we have to work on."

Now with the defending SIAC champs coming to town, White knows his team must play one of their better games.

"[Tuskegee] brings back a lot of returning starters," he says. "They can throw the ball deep, can run it, play good defense. They're a good team. They'll be a tough matchup for us on Saturday."

One thing the Rams should continue to do offensively is get the ball to preseason All-SIAC WR Jessie Atkins.

The Camilla native torched the Crusader secondary with 11 catches for 162 yards and two TDs Saturday.

But White believes one of the game's brightest spots must shine even brighter.

"He has to play better. You know, 11 catches, 160 plus yards, we still need him to play better," White says. "He had some plays in there I thought he could even hurt that team worse, but we have to get him involved. But it is a team effort and we have to get some of our other receivers involved as well."

The Golden Rams kick off against the Golden Tigers at the ASU Coliseum at 7 p.m. Saturday night.